10 simple tasks every computer user should be able to do

When you work so extensively with a computer, it pays to know some basics about how it works, and how to react when a potential problem occurs in order to minimise the possible disruption to your tasks.

Here is a list of some straightforward tasks which will help you do more with any PC – and how they’ll help you stay productive online:

1. Set up your communication network :-

In many instances, this task is carried out by a range of automatic detection functions, but if you hit problems when trying to go online, you should know how you connect to the internet, and how to reset your modem or router so that connections are restored. If you use an external modem, this should have its own instructions, while the control panel of your computer can help with an internal modem, and troubleshooting.

 

2. Instigate a system for backing up your files :–

Windows comes with its own back-up system, but you have to know how to set it up first. But even this might not be enough to save your most valuable files if you lose your computer in a fire or similar disaster. So you should always keep important documents, pictures etc on an external device, such as a portable hard drive or memory stick. Be sure, though, that such devices are clearly labelled and indexed to let you find those lost files in a hurry.

 

3. Boost your productivity using system shortcuts :–

Be sure to know all the combinations of the Control and Alt keys and various characters which will help you work more quickly, for example Ctrl+P for printing documents, Ctrl+S to instantly save your work at regular intervals, and Ctrl+F to find text you’re looking for in a document or on a web page.

 

4. Put virus protection in place :–

Thankfully, installing good safeguards against many of the threats to a computer system is as simple as inserting a disc into your CD drive and letting it run. But you should also know the difference between the most common types of threat to your computer or smartphone, such as viruses, Trojans, spam and phishing attempts.

 

5. Use a system letting you access your home PC from anywhere :–

Proprietary facilities for storing anything which you might store on your PC and make them available for access by other wired devices are now widely available. You can upload any material which you might want to have access to into a secure data vault, and can then access it using a personalised password, using any device’s web browser.

 

6. Share a file between two computers :–

This is easy regardless of whether you’re on the same secured network as the person with whom you wish to share or not. One of the fastest ways of doing so is using an Ethernet cable, with which you can link the two machines between which you wish to share your info, and then just follow the instructions which appear on the screen.

 

7. Prolong your battery life :–

A PC will have some options for optimising the use of your available battery power, which you can access easy by clicking on the battery icon on your toolbar. But the most basic step to take is to ensure that your display is always turned off either automatically when you finish using it, or after a couple of minutes if you leave it idle.

 

8. Find lost or stolen gadgets :–

Sophisticated apps are now available which can help you track almost any missing smartphone or laptop. Any device installed with one of these will regularly automatically ‘call’ your web account, giving you regular updates about its whereabouts and what’s being done on it.

 

9. Carry out regular maintenance of your device :–

Most computer and smartphone operating systems come with a way of carrying out housekeeping, such as clearing out mailboxes and defragmenting a hard drive, ensuring that data is stored in the most suitable location. So find out where yours is and how it works, and you’ll keep your device running much more efficiently.

 

10. Keep your personal data safe :-

And there are few shortcuts for this. A little common sense, though, goes a long way, for example in using multiple, strong passwords for different sites and access to information, and deleting personal information from stored files, such as addresses from letters and emails once you’ve sent them.

 

//Working with computers presents an array of challenges, as well as possibilities. So in order to maximise the latter, it pays to get to grips with a few of the former first.

This is a Article by Guest Author :

Jane Foulds is a tech blogger who understands how spending a little bit of time now can save you a lot of grief later, and who urges all computer users to find out more about power strips.